AI leak detection project

Project highlights

We’re using AI and satellite technology to find hidden leaks faster, with expected savings of more than 100 million litres of water per day.

Challenge: Finding leaks that can’t be seen

Many leaks occur underground and are never visible to customers. These hidden leaks can be difficult and time-consuming to locate using traditional methods, meaning valuable drinking water is lost before repairs can be carried out.

As we work to reduce leakage across our network, we need faster and more accurate ways of identifying where leaks are occurring so our teams can prioritise repairs and protect water supplies.

Solution: AI-powered satellite leak detection

We’re working with Origin Tech to integrate Origin Orbit, an AI-driven leak detection solution that uses satellite data to identify potential underground water leaks. The technology can pinpoint potential leaks within a 30-metre search radius, helping our teams focus investigations and repairs more effectively. 

With a team of around 20 specialists deployed, it is expected the solution will help identify around 25 leaks per week per crew, increasing efficiency and accelerating repairs across the network.  

By combining satellite imagery, artificial intelligence and specialist leakage expertise, the technology provides faster and more accurate indications of where issues may exist on the network compared with traditional detection methods alone. 

This partnership makes Thames Water the first water company to fully integrate Origin Orbit into its day-to-day leakage operations. 

Trial results and impact

Following several months of successful trials, the technology demonstrated significant benefits across our network. During a 19-week trial, Origin Orbit helped identify more than 800 leaks, contributing to estimated savings of 8.7 million litres of water per day.

Many leaks found during the trial were substantial in scale, including some losing more than 10 litres of water per second. The technology is particularly effective at identifying hidden leaks with 92% of leaks detected being non-visible.

Building on these results, the full operational deployment is expected to help reduce leakage by more than 100 million litres per day over the course of the contract.

Project timeline and collaboration

The partnership with Origin Tech launched in March 2026 and is scheduled to run initially for 13 months.

Origin Tech was founded in 2019 and worked with 12 water companies across the UK, helping prevent more than three billion litres of water being lost through leakage. 

Together, we’re exploring how innovative technologies can support our ambition to reduce leakage, improve efficiency and deliver a more resilient network for customers and the environment.